Elementary functions: solved

exercises

WARNING: In some exercise, the global properties of the continuous functions are used; they will
be explained later on during the course of Mathematical Analysis I.
It is stated that

R+ = {x ∈ R : x > 0}, R− = {x ∈ R : x < 0}.

Exercise.

1) Determine the domain of the following functions with real variable:

√
(b) f (x) = log( x + 2 − x)
p
(a) f (x) = x2 − 4
q 1
(c) f (x) = 4
|x| − |x + 2| (d) f (x) =
4x − 5 · 2x + 6

2) Having the function f , determine the range f (X) of the set X and the pre-image f −1 (Y ) of
the set Y :

(a) f (x) = x2 , X = [1, 2], Y = [1, 4] (b) f (x) = |x|, X = {1}, Y = {−5}

(c) f (x) = x3 , X = (1, 8], Y = {−1} (d) f (x) = sin x, X = {0}, Y = {0}

3) Determine the domain and sketch the graph of the function f (x) = |x2 − 2x|; then, determine
the range f (X) of the set X = [0, 1) and the pre-image f −1 (Y ) of the set Y = [0, 1).

x2 −1
4) Determine the pre-image f −1 (Y ) of the set Y = [0, 1], where f (x) = x+5

5) Determine the range f (X) of the set X = [−1, 2], where f (x) = 2x3 − 1.

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2 Elementary functions: solved exercises

6) Verify that f (x) = 2x − 1 is both injective and surjective on R.

√
7) Determine the domain of f (x) = 3 + x + 1 and verify that is injective in dom(f ). Moreover,
determine the range of f and verify that f is not surjective in R.

8) Sketch the graphs of the functions f (x) = |x|, g(x) = |x + 1|, h(x) = |x − 1|, l(x) = |x| + 1,
m(x) = |x| − 1.

9) Sketch the graphs of the functions f (x) = sin x, g(x) = 2 sin x, h(x) = sin(2x), l(x) = sin( x2 ),
1
m(x) = 2 sin(x).

10) Sketch the graphs of the functions f (x) = log x, g(x) = − log x, h(x) = | log x|, l(x) =
log(−x), m(x) = log |x|.

11) Determine the domain and sketch the graph of the function f (x) = 2 + log(x + 3).

12) Determine the domains and sketch the graphs of the following functions:

(a) f (x) = |x2 + x − 2| (b) f (x) = 2 − |x + 3|

√
(c) f (x) = 2 − x+1 (d) f (x) = ||x + 1| − 1|

13) Determine the domain and the range of f (x) = 3x + 1. Verify that f is strictly increasing on
R. Determine f −1 . Sketch the graphs of f and f −1 .
2x+1
14) Determine the domain and sketch the graph of the function f (x) = x−1 . Verify that f is
injective and compute f −1 .

15) Sketch the graph of the function

x2

se 0 ≤ x < 1
f (x) =
5 − 2x se 1 ≤ x ≤ 2.
Prove whether f is monotone (in particular, whether it is strictly monotone) on [0, 1), on [1, 2]
and on [0, 2]. Verify that f is injective in its domain and determine its range. Determine f −1 .

16) Verify that the restrictions of f (x) = x2 to R− and to R+ are strictly monotone. Defining
these restrictions as f1 = f and f2 = f + , compute the corresponding inverse functions
|R |R
−

g1 and g2 ; then, sketch their graphs.

17) Sketch the graph of f , verify that it is invertible, and determine the inverse function f −1 ,
where f (x) = x|x − 2| + 2x.

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Elementary functions: solved exercises 3

18) Determine the ranges where f (x) = (x − 1)|x + 2| is strictly monotone; then, compute the
inverse functions related to the computed restrictions.

19) Verify that the function f (x) = x4 is bounded on [−2, 3], bounded above on R, bounded
below on R.
 
20) Determine the domain and sketch the graph of the function f (x) =  x1 + 1. Verify that
 

f is bounded below in its domain. Determine min{f (x) : x ∈ dom(f )}. Verify that f is
unbounded above in its domain but that is bounded above in ] − ∞, −1]. Compute sup{f (x) :
x ∈] − ∞, −1]} and prove that f does not have a maximum in that interval.
√ √
21) Determine the domains of the functions f (x) = x − x and g(x) = x − 2; then, compute
the composite functions g ◦ f and f ◦ g.

22) Determine the domains of the functions f (x) = x2 + 3x and g(x) = |x|; then, compute the
composite functions g ◦ f and f ◦ g and sketch their graphs.

23) Determine domain, range and the monotonic sets of the functions f (x) = 1+x2 and g(x) = x1 ;
then, sketch the graph of the composite function g ◦ f .

24) Determine domain, range and the monotonic sets of the functions f (x) = − x1 and g(x) = ex ;
then, sketch the graph of the composite function g ◦ f .

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4 Elementary functions: solved exercises

SOLUTIONS

1)
√
1a) In order to determine the domain of the function f (x) = x2 − 4, the inequality x2 − 4 ≥ 0
has to be solved: the values of x ∈ R which satisfy the inequality are x ≤ −2 and x ≥ 2.
Therefore, dom(f ) = (−∞, −2] ∪ [2, +∞).
√
1b) In order to determine the domain of the function f (x) = log( x + 2 − x), the inequality
√
x + 2 − x > 0 has to be solved: the inequality is satisfied if and only if x ∈ R verifies one
of the two following systems:
x ≥ 0

x<0

x+2≥0
x+2≥0
x + 2 > x2 .


The first system is verified for −2 ≤ x < 0, while the second one for 0 ≤ x < 2. Hence, the
analysed inequality is satisfied for −2 ≤ x < 2. Therefore, dom(f ) = [−2, 2).
p
1c) In order to determine the domain of the function f (x) = 4
|x| − |x + 2| the inequality |x| −
|x + 2| ≥ 0 has to be solved: the inequality is satisfied if and only if x ∈ R verifies one of the
three following systems:
x < −2 −2 ≤ x ≤ 0 x>0
  

−x ≥ −x − 2 −x ≥ x + 2 x ≥ x + 2.
The first system is verified for x < −2, the second one for −2 ≤ x ≤ −1, while the third one
does not have any solution. Hence, the analysed inequality is satisfied for x ≤ −1. Therefore,
dom(f ) = (−∞, −1].

1
1d) In order to determine the domain of the function f (x) = 4x −5·2x +6 , the values of x ∈ R which
verify the equation 4x − 5 · 2x + 6 = 0 have to be excluded. Using the substitution 2x = t
the equation t2 − 5t + 6 = 0 is obtained: its solutions are t1 = 2 and t2 = 3. Since 2x = t
is equal to x = log2 t for t > 0, it is obtained x1 = log2 2 = 1 and x2 = log2 3. Therefore,
dom(f ) = R \ {1, log 2 3}.

2) In order to determine the range f (X) on X and the pre-image f −1 (Y ) on Y of the function
f , it is necessary to refer to the definitions of range and pre-image. In particular:

f (X) = {y ∈ R : ∃x ∈ Xtale che f (x) = y}

f −1 (Y ) = {x ∈ dom(f ) : f (x) ∈ Y }.

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Elementary functions: solved exercises 5

2a) Examining the graph of the function f (x) = x2 , that is a parabola, it is easy to notice that
f (X) = f ([1, 2]) = [1, 4]. It is possible to rigorously prove this result by observing that
f (1) = 1, f (2) = 4: it follows that f is increasing on [1, 2] (hence 1 ≤ x ≤ 2 ⇒ 1 ≤ x2 ≤ 4)
and it is also continuous (therefore, for the Intermediate Value Theorem, f takes any value
between 1 and 4). To compute f −1 (Y ) = f −1 ([1, 4]), the solutions of the two inequalities
1 ≤ x2 ≤ 4, that correspond to the system

x2 ≥ 1


x2 ≤ 4
have to be determined; then, it emerges that f −1 (Y ) = [−2, −1]∪[1, 2]. The result is confirmed
by observing the parabola’s graph.

2b) The range of a set containing only one element corresponds to the range of such element;
therefore, f (X) = f ({1}) = f (1) = |1| = 1. In order to find the pre-image of Y = {−1},
the equation |x| = −5 has to be solved. However, this equation has no solutions: hence,
f −1 (Y ) = ∅.

2c) Examining the graph of the function f (x) = x3 it is easy to notice that f (X) = f ((1, 8]) =
(1, 83 ]. As in exercise 2a), it is possible to rigorously prove this result by observing that
f (1) = 1, f (8) = 83 : it follows that f is increasing (hence 1 < x ≤ 8 ⇒ 1 < x3 ≤ 83 )
and continuous (therefore, for the Intermediate Value Theorem, f takes any value between 1
and 83 ). To compute f −1 (Y ) = f −1 (−1), the solutions of the equation x3 = −1 has to be
determined; then, it emerges that f −1 (Y ) = {−1}. The result is confirmed by observing the
function’s graph.

2d) Being f (x) = sin x, it follows that f (X) = f ({0}) = {0}. In order to determine f −1 (Y ) =
f −1 ({0}), the equation sin x = 0. has to be solved. The solution is f −1 (Y ) = {nπ : n ∈ Z}.

3) The function f (x) = |x2 − 2x| holds for each value of x ∈ R, hence dom(f ) = R.
Using the definition of the absolute value, it is possible to re-write the equation as

x2 − 2x if x2 − 2x ≥ 0

f (x) = .
−(x2 − 2x) if x2 − 2x < 0

In order to sketch the graph, first of all, the parabola g(x) = x2 − 2x is drawn; then, all
the parts of the graph of g belonging to the negative part of the y − axis are ”mirrored”
about the x − axis. In this way, the graph shown in Figure 1 is obtained. Looking at the
graph, the range f (X) on X = [0, 1) is f (X) = [0, 1). The result is justified by f (0) = 0,
lim f (x) = 1, f is continuous and f (x) = −(x2 − 2x) is increasing for x ∈ X. In order to
x→1−

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6 Elementary functions: solved exercises

determine f −1 (Y ) = f −1 ([0, 1)), the solutions of the two inequalities 0 ≤ |x2 − 2x| < 1 have
to be computed. The first inequality is always true; hence, it is enough to solve the second
inequality |x2 − 2x| < 1. According to the definition of absolute value, it is necessary to solve
the two following systems

x2 − 2x ≥ 0 x2 − 2x < 0
 
and
x2 − 2x < 1 −(x2 − 2x) < 1.
√ √
The solution of the first system is (1 − 2, 0] ∪ [2, 1 + 2); while that of the second one is
√ √
(0, 2) \ {1}. The union of these sets gives f −1 (Y ) = (1 − 2, 1 + 2) \ {1}. The result is
confirmed by observing the function’s graph.
y

O 2 x

Fig. 1: Graph of f (x) = |x2 − 2x|, (exercise 3)

x2 −1
4) In order to determine the pre- image of f −1 (Y ) on Y = [0, 1], where f (x) = x+5 , the solutions
x2 −1
of the two inequalities 0 ≤ x+5 ≤ 1,, that correspond to the system
x2 −1


 x+5 ≥0

x2 −1
≤ 1.


x+5

have to be computed. The solution is f −1 (Y ) = [−2, −1] ∪ [1, 3].

5) In order to determine the range of f (X) in X = [−1, 2], where f (x) = 2x3 − 1, it may be
useful drawing the graph of f . It can be easily derived starting from the know graph of y = x3
and considering that the multiplication by the constant 2 gives a vertical expansion (i.e. it
corresponds to a scale change on the y − axis) and that subtracting 1 gives a downward
translation by 1 unit of the graph of y = 2x3 . Observing the obtained graph of f suggests

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Elementary functions: solved exercises 7

that f is an increasing and continuous function in R, as well as y = x3 . The monotony is

directly verifiable:

x1 < x2 ⇒ x31 < x32 ⇒ 2x31 < 2x32 ⇒ 2x31 − 1 < 2x32 − 1

The continuity is derived by the consideration that f (x) is a polynomial; hence, for the
Intermediate Value Theorem, f (X) = f ([−1, 2]) = [f (−1), f (2)] = [−3, 15].

6) In order to verify that f (x) = 2x−1 is injective on R, it has to be proven that if f (x1 ) = f (x2 ),
then x1 = x2 . Let’s suppose that 2x1 − 1 = 2x2 − 1: then, adding 1 to both sides, it results
2x1 = 2x2 ; then, dividing by 2, it results x1 = x2 . In order to verify that f is surjective
on R, it has to be proven that for every y ∈ R, the equation f (x) = y has at least one
solution. Considering a generic y ∈ R and solving the equation 2x − 1 = y, it easily results
y+1
that x = 2 : the surjectivity of f has been proven.
√
7) In order to determine the domain of the function f (x) = 3 + x + 1, the inequality x + 1 ≥ 0
has to be solved, with x ∈ R: therefore, it follows that dom(f ) = [−1, +∞[. In order to verify
√
that f is injective in dom(f ), let’s suppose that x1 , x2 ≥ −1, obtaining that 3 + x1 + 1 =
√ √ √
3 + x2 + 1. Subtracting 3 to both sides, it results x1 + 1 = x2 + 1; then, squaring both
sides, it follows that x1 + 1 = x2 + 1 and so x1 = x2 . It proves that f is injective. In order to
verify that f is not surjective on R, it is sufficient to find just one value y ∈ R which has no
pre-image through f , i.e. a value that does not satisfy the equation f (x) = y. It is possible
√ √
to notice that 3 + x + 1 ≥ 3, for x ≥ −1, since x + 1 ≥ 0. Therefore, y < 3 does not have
pre-image: it has been proven that f is not surjective on R.

8) It is possible to draw the graph of the functions g(x) = |x + 1|, h(x) = |x − 1|, l(x) = |x| + 1
and m(x) = |x| − 1, starting from the graph of the well-known function f (x) = |x|. It is
possible to notice that g(x) = f (x + 1); it means that (x + 1, y) is a point belonging to the
graph of f if and only if (x, y) is a point belonging to the graph of g. Consequently, the graph
of g can be obtained by a leftward translation by one unit of the graph of f . Similarly, since
h(x) = f (x − 1), the graph of h can be obtained by a rightward translation by one unit of
the graph of f . On the other hand, it is possible to notice that l(x) = f (x) + 1; it means that
(x, y) is a point belonging to the graph of l if and only if (x, y + 1) is a point belonging to
the graph of l. Consequently, the graph of l can be obtained by a upward translation by one
unit of the graph of f . f . Similarly, since m(x) = f (x) − 1, the graph of m can be obtained
by a downward translation by one unit of the graph of f . The graphs are shown in Figure 2.

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8 Elementary functions: solved exercises

y g y l

f f

h m
1 1

−1 O 1 x −1 O 1 x

−1

Fig. 2: Graphs of f (x) = |x|, g(x) = |x + 1|, h(x) = |x − 1|, l(x) = |x| + 1, m(x) = |x| − 1 (exercise
8)

9) It is possible to draw the graph of the functions g(x) = 2 sin x, h(x) = sin(2x), l(x) = sin( x2 )
1
and m(x) = 2 sin x, starting from the graph of the well-known functionf (x) = sin x. It is
possible to notice that g(x) = 2f (x); it means that (x, y) is a point belonging to the graph of
f if and only if (x, 2y) is a point belonging to the graph of g. Consequently, the graph of g can
be obtained by a vertical expansion by a factor 2 of the graph of f . Similarly, the graph of
m can be obtained by a vertical shrinkage by a factor 1/2 of the graph of f . Furthermore, it
is possible to notice that h(x) = f (2x); it means that (x, y) is a point belonging to the graph
of h if and only if (2x, y) is a point belonging to the graph of f . Consequently, the graph of
h can be obtained by a horizontal shrinkage by a factor 1/2 of the graph of f . Similarly, the
graph of l can be obtained by a horizontal expansion by a factor 2 of the graph of f . The
graphs are shown in Figure 3.
y y
g

f f l

h
π 2π x π 2π x
−2π −π O −2π −π O
m

Fig. 3: Graphs of f (x) = sin x, g(x) = 2 sin x, h(x) = sin(2x), l(x) = sin( x2 ), m(x) = 1
2 sin(2x)
(exercise 9)

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Elementary functions: solved exercises 9

10) It is possible to draw the graph of the functions g(x) = − log x, h(x) = | log x|, l(x) = log(−x)
and m(x) = log |x|, starting from the graph of the well-known function f (x) = log x. It is
possible to notice that g(x) = −f (x); it means that (x, y) is a point belonging to the graph
of g if and only if (x, −y) is a point belonging to the graph of f Consequently, the graph
of g can be obtained by mirroring the graph of f about the x − axis. On the other hand,
being l(x) = f (−x), it results that x ∈ dom(l) if and only if −x ∈ dom(f ); moreover, (x, y)
is a point belonging to the graph of l if and only if (−x, y) is a point belonging to the graph
of f . Therefore, the two domains are symmetrical about the origin and the two graphs are
symmetrical about the y − axis: consequently, the graph of l can be obtained by mirroring
the graph of f about the y − axis. In order to draw the graph of h(x) = |f (x)|, the definition
of absolute value has to be taken into account; so, it follows that:

f (x) se f (x) ≥ 0

h(x) =
−f (x) se f (x) < 0

In conclusion, the graph of h corresponds to that of f where the points of f have a positive
or zero ordinate value; instead, it is obtained by mirroring the graph of f about the x − axis
where the points of f have a negative ordinate value. Regarding m(x) = f (|x|), it is possible
to observe that x ∈ dom(m) if and only if |x| ∈ dom(f ); moreover,

f (x) if x ≥ 0

m(x) =
f (−x) if x < 0

Consequently, dom(m) = dom(f ) ∪ dom(l) and the graph of m can be obtained by merging
the graphs of f and l. The graphs are shown in Figure 4 and 5.

y y y

f h

O 1 x O 1 x O 1 x

Fig. 4: Graphs of f (x) = log x, g(x) = − log x, h(x) = | log x| (exercise 10)

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10 Elementary functions: solved exercises

y y

l m

−1 O x −1 O 1 x

Fig. 5: Graphs of l(x) = log(−x), m(x) = log |x| (exercise 10)

11) In order to determine the domain of the function f (x) = 2+log(x+3), the inequality x+3 > 0
has to be solved, with x ∈ R: therefore, it follows that dom(f ) =] − 3, +∞[. In order to draw
the graph of f starting from the known graph of y = log x, it is sufficient to translate the
latter leftward by 3 units and upward by 2 units. The resulting graph is shown in Figure 6.
y

f
2 + log 3

−3 −3 + e−2 O x

Fig. 6: Graph of f (x) = 2 + log(x + 3) (exercise 11)

12a) The function f (x) = |x2 + x − 2| is defined on each point of R. Its graph can be obtained
starting from that of the parabola y = x2 +x−2: the points of the parabola having a negative
ordinate value are mirrored about the y − axis. The resulting graph is shown in Figure 7.

12b) The function f (x) = 2 − |x + 3| is defined on each point of R. Its graph can be obtained
starting from that of the function y = |x|: it has to be leftward translated by 3 units; then,
it has to be mirrored about the y − axis; finally, it has to be upward translated by 2 units.

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Elementary functions: solved exercises 11

Alternatively, considering the definition of the absolute value, it is possible to re-write the
function f as follows
2 − (x + 3) se x + 3 ≥ 0

f (x) =
2 + (x + 3) if x + 3 < 0
that is 
−x − 1 if x ≥ −3
f (x) =
x+5 se x < −3
The resulting graph is shown in Figure 7.

y y

fb
2
fa

−5 −3 −1 O x
−1

−2 O 1 x

Fig. 7: Graphs of fa (x) = |x2 + x − 2|, fb (x) = 2 − |x + 3| (exercise 12a, 12b)

√
12c) In order to determine the domain of the function f (x) = 2 − x + 1, the inequality x + 1 ≥ 0
has to be solved, with x ∈ R: therefore, it follows that dom(f ) = [−1, +∞[. In order to draw
√
the graph of f starting from the known graph of y = x, it is possible to leftward translate
the latter by 1 unit, then to mirror it about the x − axis and, finally, to upward translate it
by 2 units. The resulting graph is shown in Figure 8.

12d) The function f (x) = ||x + 1| − 1| is defined on each point of R. In order to draw the graph of
f starting from the known graph of y = |x|, it is possible to leftward translate the latter by
1 unit, then to downward translate it by 1 unit and, finally, to mirror all the points having a
negative ordinate about the y − axis. Alternatively, it is possible to re-write the function f
as follows
|x + 1| − 1 if |x + 1| − 1 ≥ 0

f (x) =
1 − |x + 1| if |x + 1| − 1 < 0

But, it is important to notice that

 
x if x + 1 ≥ 0 x if x ≥ −1
|x + 1| − 1 = = .
−x − 2 if x + 1 < 0 −x − 2 if x < −1

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12 Elementary functions: solved exercises

Therefore, being |x + 1| − 1 ≥ 0 both for x ≤ −2 and for x ≥ 0, it results:

−x − 2 if x ≤ −2




x+2 if −2 < x < −1
f (x) =



−x if −1 < x < 0
x if x≥0

The resulting graph is shown in Figure 8.

y y

fd
1
fc
1

−1 O 3 x −2 −1 O x

√
Fig. 8: Graphs of fc (x) = 2 − x + 1, fd (x) = ||x + 1| − 1| (exercise 12c, 12d)

13) The function f (x) = 3x + 1 is defined on each point of R. In order to calculate the range, it is
sufficient to determine for which values y ∈ R the equation f (x) = y holds, i.e. the equation
3x + 1 = y has to have at least one solution. Since the equation has a (single) solution for
y−1
any y, x = 3 , it follows that Im (f ) = R. To verify that f is strictly increasing on R,
considering x1 , x2 ∈ R such that x1 < x2 , it possible to observe that 3x1 < 3x2 and that
3x1 + 1 < 3x2 + 1: it means that f (x1 ) < f (x2 ). Since f is strictly monotone, it follows that
it is injective too. In order to determine f −1 , bearing in mind the definition of the inverse
function, it is sufficient to impose f −1 (x) = y if and only if f (y) = x, that is 3y + 1 = x.
x−1
Solving the latter equation, it results y = 3 = f −1 (x). The graphs of f and f −1 are
symmetrical about the straight line y = x and are shown in Figure 9.

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Elementary functions: solved exercises 13

y
f
y=x

f −1

x−1
Fig. 9: Graphs of f (x) = 3x + 1, f −1 (x) = 3 (exercise 13)

2x+1
14) The domain of the function f (x) = x−1 is dom(f ) = R \ {1}. In order to verify that f is
injective, let’s suppose x1 , x2 ∈ dom(f ) such that f (x1 ) = f (x2 ), that is

2x1 + 1 2x2 + 1
= .
x1 − 1 x2 − 1

It follows that

(2x1 + 1)(x2 − 1) = (2x2 + 1)(x1 − 1).

Doing the math, it results 3x2 = 3x1 and so x2 = x1 : the injectivity has been proven. In
order to determine the inverse function f −1 , it is possible to impose f −1 (x) = y if and only
if f (y) = x, that is
2y + 1
=x
y−1

Solving for y as a function of x, it results

x+1
y = f −1 (x) =
x−2

The graph of f is shown in Figure 10.

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14 Elementary functions: solved exercises

− 21 O 1 x

−1

2x+1
Fig. 10: Graph of f (x) = x−1 (exercise 14)

15) The graph of the function

x2

if 0 ≤ x < 1
f (x) =
5 − 2x if 1 ≤ x ≤ 2
is shown in Figure 11.
The function f is strictly increasing on [0, 1); indeed, considering 0 ≤ x1 < x2 , if the in-
equalities are multiplied by x1 , it follows that 0 ≤ x21 < x1 · x2 ; whereas, if the inequalities
are multiplied by x2 , it follows that 0 ≤ x1 · x2 < x22 . Overall, it results that 0 ≤ x21 < x22 .
Moreover, f is strictly decreasing on [1, 2], since 0 ≤ x1 < x2 implies that −x2 < −x1 whence
it follows that −2x2 < −2x1 and that 5 − 2x2 < 5 − 2x1 : it means that f (x1 ) > f (x2 ).
Obviously, f is not monotone on [0, 2]. Nevertheless, f is injective in its domain. In order to
verify that, let’s suppose that f (x1 ) = f (x2 ). If either x1 , x2 ∈ [0, 1) or x1 , x2 ∈ [1, 2], it is
easy to obtain that x1 = x2 , thanks to the strict monotony of f on those intervals. On the
other hand, supposing, for instance, x1 ∈ [0, 1) and x2 ∈ [1, 2], it follows that f (x1 ) = f (x2 )
(i.e. x21 = 5 − 2x2 ) cannot occur, since x21 ∈ [0, 1), and 5 − 2x2 ∈ [1, 3]. Indeed f ([0, 1) = [0, 1)
and f ([1, 2]) = [1, 3]. Moreover, it is possible to observe that Im (f ) = [0, 3].
In order to determine the inverse function f −1 , the restrictions of f to the intervals [0, 1) and
[1, 2] have to be separately inverted; from now on, for the sake of clarity, the two restrictions
are called f1 and f2 .

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Elementary functions: solved exercises 15

For any x ∈ [0, 1), it results that f −1 (x) = f1−1 (x) = y if and only if f1 (y) = x, with y ∈ [0, 1[,
√
that is y 2 = x; solving for y, it follows that f −1 (x) = f1−1 (x) = x.
For any x ∈ [1, 3] it results that f −1 (x) = f2−1 (x) = y if and only if f2 (y) = x, with y ∈ [1, 2],
that is 5 − 2y = x; solving for y, it follows that f −1 (x) = f2−1 (x) = 5−x
2 . Therefore,

√
 x if x ∈ [0, 1)
f −1 (x) =
5−x
if x ∈ [1, 3]

2

The graph of f is shown in Figure 11.

y
3

bc
1

O 1 2 x

Fig. 11: Graph of f (exercise 15)

16) Let’s consider the function f (x) = x2 and its restrictions f1 = f − and f2 = f + . In order
|R |R
+
to verify that f2 is strictly increasing on R it is possible to proceed as in the exercise 15.
Similarly, it is possible to verify that f1 is strictly decreasing on R+ . Moreover, Im (f1 ) =
Im (f2 ) = R+ .
Let’s calculate the inverse functions g1 and g2 . By definition, for any x ∈ R+ , it follows
that g1 (x) = y if and only if f1 (y) = x, with y ∈ R− , that is y 2 = x, y ≤ 0. Solving
√
for y as a function of x, it results y = g1 (x) = − x. Similarly, it is possible to determine
√
y = g2 (x) = x, for any x ∈ R+ . The graphs of the inverse functions are symmetrical to
those of the given function, about the straight line y = x. They are shown in Figure 12.

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16 Elementary functions: solved exercises

y y y
f1 f2
y=x y=x
f

1 g1
O x

g2
O x O 1 x

Fig. 12: Graphs of f (x) = x2 , f1 , g1 , f2 , g2 (exercise 16)

17) It is possible to explicitly re-write the function f (x) = x|x − 2| + 2x as

−x2 + 4x

se x < 2
f (x) =
x2 se x ≥ 2

The graph of f is shown in Figure 13.

In order to verify whether f is invertible, it is possible to observe that the restriction f1 (x) =
−x2 +4x = 4−(x−2)2 of f to (−∞, 2) is strictly increasing. Similarly, the restriction f2 (x) =
x2 of f to [2, +∞) is strictly increasing. Moreover Im (f1 ) = (−∞, 4) and Im (f2 ) = [4, +∞).
Hence, f is injective, surjective and strictly increasing.
In order to determine the inverse function f −1 , the two restrictions are separately managed.
For any x ∈ (−∞, 4), it has to be satisfied that f1−1 (x) = y if and only if f1 (y) = x, with
y ∈ (−∞, 2), that is −y 2 + 4y = x, y ∈ (−∞, 2). Solving the second order equation for y,
√ √
the two solutions y1,2 = 2 ± 4 − x are found; however, only y = 2 − 4 − x satisfies the
condition y ∈ (−∞, 2). Hence, it follows that
√
f1−1 : (−∞, 4) → (−∞, 2) , y = f1−1 (x) = 2 − 4−x

In order to determine the function f2−1 (x), for any x ∈ [4, +∞), it has to be satisfied that
f2−1 (x) = y if and only if f2 (y) = x, with y ∈ [2, +∞), that is y 2 = x, y ∈ [2, +∞). It easily
√
results y = f2−1 (x) = x, for any x ∈ [4, +∞). Hence,
√
f2−1 : [4, +∞) → [2, +∞) , y = f2−1 (x) = x

Overall, it is √
2 − 4− x se x ∈ (−∞, 4)

−1
f (x) =
√
x se x ∈ [4, +∞)

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Elementary functions: solved exercises 17

O 2 x

Fig. 13: Graph of f (x) = x|x − 2| + 2x (exercise 17)

18) It is possible to explicitly re-write the function f (x) = (x − 1)|x + 2| as

 −x2 − x + 2

se x < −2
f (x) =
x2 + x − 2

se x ≥ −2
let’s consider the two functions f1 (x) = −x2 − x + 2 and f2 (x) = x2 + x − 2. It emerges that
9  1 2
f1 (x) = − x+ .
4 2
It follows that f1 is strictly increasing in (−∞, −1/2] and strictly decreasing in [−1/2, +∞).
Since f2 = −f1 , obviously f2 is strictly decreasing in (−∞, −1/2] and strictly increasing in
[−1/2, +∞).
Considering f , it results that it is strictly decreasing on [−2, −1/2] and strictly increasing
on (−∞, −2] and on [−1/2, +∞). Hence, it is possible to determine 3 invertible restrictions,
which are called: F1 = f|(−∞,−2] , F2 = f|[−2,−1/2] , F3 = f|[−1/2,+∞) . The corresponding
ranges are
im(F1 ) = f ((−∞, −2]) = (−∞, 0]
9
 
im(F2 ) = f ([−2, −1/2]) = − , 0
4
9
 
im(F3 ) = f ([−1/2, +∞)) = − , +∞
4
To compute the corresponding inverse functions, bearing in mind that f −1 (x) = y if and only
if f (y) = x, it follows that
r
1 9
F1−1 : (−∞, 0] → (−∞, −2], F1−1 (x) =− − −x
2 4
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18 Elementary functions: solved exercises

r
9 1 9
 
F2−1 : − , 0 → [−2, −1/2], F2−1 (x) =− − x+
4 2 4

r
9 1 9
 
F3−1 : − , +∞ → [−1/2, +∞), F3−1 (x) =− + x+
4 2 4

19) In order to verify that the function f (x) = x4 is bounded on [−2, 3], it is possible to observe
that x4 ≥ 0 for any x ∈ R; it means that f is bounded below on R. Moreover, f is strictly
decreasing on R− and strictly increasing on R+ . Consequently, for x ∈ [−2, 0], it results that
0 ≤ x4 ≤ 16; for x ∈ [0, 3], it results that 0 ≤ x4 ≤ 81: overall, for x ∈ [−2, 3], it follows
that 0 ≤ x4 ≤ 81. To verify that f is unbounded above on R, it is possible to observe that
Im (f ) = [0, +∞), since for any y ∈ [0, +∞) the equation f (x) = y (i.e. x4 = y) has at least
√
one solution; in general, this equation has two solutions x = ± 4 y.

 
20) The domain of the function f (x) =  x1 + 1 is dom(f ) = R \ {0}. To sketch its graph is useful
 

to explicitly re-write the function, that is


1
x +1
 if x ≤ −1 or x > 0
f (x) =
−1 − 1

if −1 < x < 0
x

1
The graph of y = x + 1 is a rectangular hyperbola. The graph of f is shown in Figure 14.
In order to verify that f is bounded below on its domain, it is sufficient to observe that
f (x) ≥ 0 for any x ∈ dom(f ). To determine min{f (x) : x ∈ dom(f )} it is possible to observe
that f (−1) = 0 ≤ f (x) for any x ∈ dom(f ); hence, x = −1 is the absolute minimum of f .
In order to verify that f is unbounded above on its domain, it is sufficient to notice that
Im (f ) = [0, +∞), since for any y ≥ 0, it will exist x ∈ dom(f ) such that f (x) = y.
Finally, it is possible to observe that sup{f (x) : x ∈ (−∞, −1]} = 1, since for x ∈ (−∞, −1],
1 1
it results x < 0 and so f (x) = x + 1 < 1: it means that 1 is an upper bound (majorant)
of f on the set (−∞, −1]. To verify whether 1 is the upper bound it is possible to observe
1
that f ((−∞, −1]) = [0, 1): indeed, for any y ∈ [0, 1), the equation f (x) = y (i.e. x + 1 = y)
1
has at least a solution with x ∈ (−∞, −1]. The solution of that equation is x = y−1 .Finally,
it is possible to state that 1 is not a maximum of f on the interval (−∞, −1], because the
1
equation x + 1 = 1 has no solution.

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Elementary functions: solved exercises 19

−1 O x

 
Fig. 14: Graph of f (x) =  x1 + 1 (exercise 20)
 

√ √
21) The domain of the functions f (x) = x − x and g(x) = x − 2 are respectively

dom(f ) = [0, +∞[ , dom(g) = [2, +∞[

√
The domain of g ◦f is dom(g ◦f ) = {x ∈ dom(f ) : f (x) ∈ dom(g)} = {x ∈ [0, +∞) : x− x ≥
2} = [4, +∞) by definition. Similarly, the domain of f ◦g is dom(f ◦g) = {x ∈ dom(g) : g(x) ∈
√ q √
dom(f )} = {x ∈ [2, +∞) : x − 2 ≥ 0} = [2, +∞). Moreover, (g ◦ f )(x) = x − x − 2 and
√ √
(f ◦ g)(x) = x − 2 − 4 x − 2.

22) Both the functions f (x) = x2 + 3x and g(x) = |x| are defined on any point of R. Moreover,
dom(g ◦ f ) = R and dom(f ◦ g) = R. The explicit expressions of the composite functions are
(g ◦ f )(x) = |x2 + 3x| and (f ◦ g)(x) = x2 + 3|x|.
The graph of g ◦ f can be derived from the graph of y = x2 + 3x by mirroring the points of
y having a negative ordinate value about the x − axis.
The graph of f ◦ g can be derived from the graph of y = x2 + 3x, considering that the two
graphs coincide for x ≥ 0; then, it is symmetrical about the y − axis.
The graphs of g ◦ f and f ◦ g are shown in Figure 15.

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20 Elementary functions: solved exercises

y y

g◦f f ◦g

−3 O x O x

Fig. 15: Graph of g ◦ f and f ◦ g (exercise 22)

1
23) Having the functions f (x) = 1 + x2 and g(x) = x, it is easy to obtain that dom(f ) = R,
dom(g) = R \ {0}, im(f ) = [1, +∞), im(g) = R \ {0}.
The function f is strictly decreasing on R− and strictly increasing on R+ .
The function g is strictly decreasing on (−∞, 0) and on (0, +∞).
The domain of the composite function g ◦ f is dom(g ◦ f ) = R; the range is im(g ◦ f ) =
g([1, +∞)) = (0, 1].
Finally, using the properties about the composition of monotonic functions, it results that
g ◦ f is strictly increasing on R− and strictly decreasing on R+ .
The graph of g ◦ f is shown in Figure 16.

O x

Fig. 16: Graph of g ◦ f (exercise 23)

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Elementary functions: solved exercises 21

24) Having the functions f (x) = − x1 and g(x) = ex , it is easy to obtain that dom(f ) = R \ {0},
dom(g) = R, im(f ) = R \ {0}, im(g) = (0, +∞).
The function f is strictly decreasing on (−∞, 0) and on (0, +∞).
The function g is strictly decreasing on R.
The domain of the composite function g ◦ f is dom(g ◦ f ) = R \ {0}; the range is im(g ◦ f ) =
g(R \ {0}) = (0, +∞) \ {1}.
Finally, using the properties about the composition of monotonic functions, it results that
g ◦ f is strictly increasing on (0, 1) and on (1, +∞).
The graph of g ◦ f is shown in Figure 17.

O x

Fig. 17: Graph of g ◦ f (exercise 24)

c 2017 Politecnico di Torino